Biological Threat Coordinator

University of Iowa; Coralville (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Hygienic Laboratory (Iowa’s Environmental and Public Health Laboratory) at the University of Iowa seeks a Biological Threat Coordinator to lead the emergency preparedness program for biological threats. You will provide expert scientific and technical guidance for laboratory analyses and coordinate preparedness across divisions and with key partners.

This in-person role in Coralville requires a Bachelor’s degree in science, 5+ years in clinical microbiology/public health labs, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific fields such as biology, environmental science, public health or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience (typically 5 years) directly related to clinical microbiology or public health laboratory experience, awareness of clinical and environmental chemistry practices.
• Master’s degree in a scientific field or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of incident command and national incident management systems is highly desirable.
• Experience in drills and exercises, preparation and monitoring of grants, laboratory biosecurity, and creation of new initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the SHL emergency preparedness program for biological threats.
• Provide expert scientific and technical advice for laboratory analyses and emergency response.
• Develop, evaluate, and document all-hazard procedures and outreach programs with clinical laboratories and response partners.
• Coordinate preparedness across divisions and with the Environmental Health Division, ensuring compliance with CLIA and safety standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Project management

Training experience

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Master's degree (desirable)

Job description

The State Hygienic Laboratory (Iowa’s Environmental and Public Health Laboratory), at the University of Iowa, has an exciting full-time opportunity for a Biological Threat Coordinator. This position is to lead the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) at the University of Iowa in developing, evaluating, and documenting an emergency preparedness program for biological threats. It will require providing expert scientific and technical advice and expertise for conducting accurate and timely laboratory analyses. The Biological Threat Coordinator Officer leads efforts to respond to natural and/or human-caused emergencies, disasters, and terrorist acts so that SHL staff can successfully perform analytical tests. The position will validate, improve, and maintain all-hazard procedures for handling human clinical specimens, unknown environmental samples, and other potentially hazardous materials. This position serves as the Biological Threat Coordinator for SHL in close collaboration with University of Iowa Environmental Health and Safety Responsible Official. This position will serve as a source of technical information to promote, maintain, and enhance relationships with clinical laboratories and critical response partners through the design and implementation of a structured outreach program. This position provides preparedness coordination across sections of the Diagnostic and Clinical Division of the laboratory and works with the Chemical Threat Coordinator and others in the Environmental Health Division.

To meet CLIA regulations, an official transcript or a copy of an official transcript will be required prior to an offer of employment. (Applicants with degrees from foreign institutions must have the transcripts evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services http://www.naces.org/ and the applicant is responsible for all costs associated with that evaluation).

Position Status: Regular
Work Schedule: M-F, 8-5 p.m. Weekends as needed
Work Location: Coralville, Iowa
Work Modality: In-person, on-site.

To learn more about the department visit https://shl.uiowa.edu/

About Pay and Compensation:
Pay Grade: 5A

The hiring range for this position is anticipated to be $70,000-$73,000. Salary offers are based on a variety of factors, including education, experience, skills, and budget considerations. In limited circumstances, compensation outside of the anticipated range may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications.

Qualifications:

Education or Equivalency Required:
A Bachelor’s degree in scientific fields such as biology, environmental science, public health or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Required Qualifications:
Extensive experience (typically 5 years) directly related to clinical microbiology or public health laboratory experience, awareness of clinical and environmental chemistry practices.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work and collaborate in a team environment both internal and external to the laboratory.
Project management experience, including demonstration of experience in leading teams.
Some training or teaching experience is also necessary.
Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, and the ability to meet University Fleet Safety Standards or the ability to get a valid state license within 30-60 days of employment.

Highly Desirable Qualifications:
A Master's degree in a scientific field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is highly desirable.
Knowledge or experience with incident command and national incident management systems is highly desirable.

Desirable Qualifications:
Experience in drills and exercises, preparation and monitoring of grants, laboratory biosecurity, and creation and implementation of new initiatives.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office, LIS, and preparation of fiscal and operational reports is desirable.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check, credential/education verification and verification of a valid state or commercial driver’s license, and ability to meet University Fleet Safety Standard. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact: VPR Talent ([e-mail])

This position is eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.

About the University of Iowa
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

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Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.